Rocky Adkins leaves Beshear team, reportedly planning campaign

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says his senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, served his last day on Friday, July 10, according to a release from the governor’s office.

“Rocky has been an invaluable part of Team Kentucky and our success, and I am grateful to him for his leadership and his friendship,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every day, Rocky shows up ready to serve the people of our commonwealth, and I know his commitment to public service will continue to drive him in this next chapter. I wish him, Leah and their family all the best.”

There is speculation that Adkins is preparing for a run for Kentucky Governor. Lexington television station FOX 56 reported Sunday night that Adkins is planning events next week to launch a campaign. 

Adkins was appointed as senior advisor in 2019 by then-Governor-elect Beshear. During his tenure, Adkins led the administration to secure more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects valued at more than $50 billion in announced investments which aided in the creation of more than 70,000 jobs, the release said.

“It’s been a tremendous honor working with Gov. Beshear and his team through unprecedented challenges, while also celebrating historic economic investments and record-breaking new jobs at the highest wages in Kentucky history,” Adkins said. “I’ve committed my career to public service. From working at different levels in the legislature to now the executive branch, these experiences have helped me support families across our commonwealth, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.”  

Before joining the Beshear administration, Adkins served in the Kentucky House, from 1987 to 2019, holding various positions including House Majority Leader and the chamber’s Minority Floor Leader.

Ray Perry has been named as Adkins’ replacement. Perry served as Secretary for the Public Protection Cabinet beginning in August 2021, before taking the role of deputy secretary of Gov. Beshear’s executive cabinet in April of this year.